The [Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (DNB)](https://www.dnb.de/DE/ Home/home_node.html) opened the doors to its new SPARQL service in a BETA version on September 24, which is part of the DNB’s Linked Data Service.
The tool is a SPARQL endpoint that is available as a web service and can be used to query structured metadata in RDF (Resource Description Framework) format using the SPARQL (SPARQL Protocol and RDF Query Language) query language. RDF organizes the information in so-called triples (subject – predicate – object), thus ensuring simple machine processing.
The SPARQL service is operated by the SPARQL engine Qlever, which is responsible for fast searching and query processing and consists of the following components:
- the web user interface,
- the machine endpoint for DNB title data as well as GND standard data, and
- the machine endpoint (exclusively) for GND standard data.
The DNB service allows users to access the DNB title data and the standard data of the Gemeinsame Normdatei (GND) in RDF format, enabling them to explore this data in a semantic way. The GND and DNB title data are updated monthly.
For a deeper insight into the (technical) functioning of the DNB’s productive SPARQL service, see the interview conducted by Barbara Fischer (DNB) with Tracy Arndt (DNB).